Peony Flowers Close in the Shade

16 years ago

I bought a peony plant on sale last Fall and now that it is blooming (beautifully) it is not the plant that was named on the tag. Not even close. This is a rosy red that opens to a cup shape and has a very large yellow center. I am surprised to see that if the sun is hidden behind clouds the flowers fold up. I have never seen a peony do this although I don't have a lot of experience with them. Is this normal or is this a special cultivar?

Thanks, Lolli

Comments (3)

greenguy1
16 years ago
Lolli -

All of mine (different cultivars) close up on cloudy days and at night. The response seems to be strongest just after the flower opens and gets weaker (my observation) as the flower ages.

Sounds like the peony you got might be 'Bowl of Beauty,' which is one of my favorites; still, it's always disappointing when what you get isn't what you expected.

Where are you in MD?

- Steve
ldamon
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Steve, the only other peony I have is a pink double and I have just never noticed it closing up. I looked at photos of bowl of beauty and this one is redder with a less frilly petal, and a smaller but still very prominent center of a darker yellow.
I'm on the Eastern Shore near Chestertown.
Lolli
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ldamon
Original Author
16 years ago
Ignore my previous post. Today the flowers are more mature and wide open and they are Bowl of Beauty. Lovely!

Lolli